Facts About Mountain Gorillas
Facts about Mountain Gorillas: These are unique primates found in Africa at higher elevations such as the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and the Virunga Mountains. Montane forests are home to these endangered mountain gorillas with a fascinating history that attracts a big number of tourists to do gorilla trekking. They are believed to have evolved from monkeys and apes around 9 million years ago in Africa and Arabia. Approximately 2 million years ago, Eastern gorillas separated from Western gorillas, and around 400,000 years ago, Eastern gorillas further split into mountain gorillas and eastern lowland gorillas. The genus was initially named Troglodytes but was renamed “gorilla” in 1852. In 1967, Colin Groves proposed distinct names for the various gorilla species, including Mountain Gorilla, Eastern Lowland Gorilla, and Western Lowland Gorilla. Further details on their origins will be discussed in the post.
Destinations for Mountain gorilla trekking
Mountain gorillas are found only in three countries, including Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, primarily residing in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, as well as in Virunga National Park and Volcanoes National Park. These gorillas thrive at high elevations (7,200–14,100 feet) with lush vegetation. In contrast, lowland gorillas inhabit several West and Central African countries, with a population of over 250,000 western lowland gorillas and fewer than 8,000 eastern lowland gorillas. Mountain gorillas are critically endangered and cannot survive in captivity, with only 14 individuals reported in a 2018 census, leading the IUCN to classify them as endangered.
Physical Characteristics of Mountain gorillas
Following the facts about Mountain gorillas, they have thicker fur than other gorilla species, allowing them to adapt to colder, high-altitude environments. Adult males, or silverbacks, can weigh up to 195 kg and are considerably stronger than humans, while females weigh around 100 kg. Each gorilla has unique nose prints for identification and features like dark brown eyes and longer hands. They move primarily through knuckle-walking and are diurnal, foraging daily for insects, leaves, roots, and fruits between 6:00 am and 6:00 pm.
Mountain gorillas exhibit distinct daily routines with active feeding in the morning, followed by rest periods that promote social bonding through grooming and play. Communication is facilitated through vocalisations, and as night approaches, adults build ground nests from foliage for themselves and their infants. While primarily ground-dwelling, they occasionally climb trees for fruit, facing risks of falling. They avoid certain insects and reptiles and prefer crossing water using logs. Socially, they form cohesive groups led by a dominant silverback, with females often leaving to join new groups upon maturity. The silverback protects the group and resolves conflicts, while a group’s stability can be threatened by the loss of its leader. Despite their strength, mountain gorillas are mostly gentle, resorting to aggression only when necessary.
Dian Fossey and her research on mountain gorillas
Following the facts about mountain gorillas, Captain Robert von Beringe identified the mountain gorilla during an East African expedition, leading to the naming of Gorilla beringei. Key contributors to gorilla research include George Schaller and Dian Fossey, who significantly advanced conservation efforts in 1967. Fossey pioneered habituation techniques and conducted the first gorilla census, emphasizing community involvement and law enforcement against poaching. Her dedication to conservation ultimately led to her murder, but her legacy endures through the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International.
Gorilla Trekking
Following the facts about mountain gorillas, gorilla trekking safaris, though expensive, provide a unique wildlife experience that outshines traditional safaris. There are approximately 1,063 mountain gorillas left, primarily in Uganda, Rwanda, and DR Congo, categorizing them as endangered. Opinions vary on the best country for gorilla safaris, with many travelers visiting both Uganda and Rwanda for diverse tracking environments. Only 20% of gorillas are habituated, requiring a lengthy acclimatisation process. Tours are best after the rainy season, and tracking can take from 30 minutes to 8 hours. Although there’s no guarantee of seeing gorillas, success rates are over 90%. Post-tracking, visitors can partake in other activities, and Journeys Uganda offers tailored packages for these adventures.
Threats and Conservation
Mountain gorillas, with a population exceeding 1,063, face endangerment mainly due to human activities like poaching, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Despite challenges, their numbers are gradually increasing thanks to gorilla tourism and protective initiatives. Key conservation efforts include the Senkwekwe gorilla orphanage and increased armed patrols in Virunga National Park. The International Gorilla Conservation Programme, active since 1991, supports these initiatives. Controversial evictions of local communities have helped stabilise populations, but greater community involvement in tourism is essential for lasting success.